Graft suspect Aslan sworn in as board member of state bank Ziraat [Cihan News Agency (Turkey)]

(Cihan News Agency (Turkey) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ISTANBUL (CIHAN)- Süleyman Aslan, the former CEO of state-run Halkbank, was sworn in on Tuesday as a board member of another state-run financial institution, Ziraat Bankasi.

Aslan, who made headlines as one of the main suspects in the corruption probe that went public on Dec. 17, is infamous for the $4.5 million in cash that was found stuffed in shoeboxes in the ex-Halkbank manager's home. Aslan subsequently denied any allegations of corruption and claimed that the money was intended for charitable purposes.

A three-year term as a board member was approved for Aslan, and seven other board members' terms were extended in an official meeting last month.

Aslan, who was released from custody on Feb. 14, was relieved of his duties as Halkbank CEO on Feb. 7.

The revelation of the millions of dollars found in Aslan's home was one of the most popularly referenced details of the Dec. 17 corruption probe that resulted in the resignation of four of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Cabinet members and implicated many prominent politicians and businessmen in a variety of corrupt activities, from money laundering to media interference.

The decision to appoint Aslan to the board of another state institution has been heavily derided in social and print media. Earlier this week, the Taraf daily devoted nearly an entire page in its economy section to a satirical letter addressed to Aslan, sarcastically congratulating him on the appointment.